Afternoon Astronomy Coffee Hangout 13 September

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 - 11:09

"Mars: Warmer with Water - Was It Once Closer to the Sun?"

The study of planetary systems around other stars suggests that planets can migrate closer or farther from their parent star, not staying in the orbit where they originally formed. Traces of water on Mars suggest that it may have been wetter, and perhaps had warmer climates than today. Is it possible that Mars was once closer to the Sun and migrated outwards? The orbit of Venus seems like the right location for this to have occurred. Computer models help scientists determine how planetary systems can readjust themselves after formation.

Join Tony Darnell and Carol Christian during Afternoon Astronomy Coffee on Thursday, 13 September at 3:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time (19:00 UTC) as they discuss with investigator Darren Williams of Penn State University, and collaborators Cole Brown and Quinn Bierbaum about their study of our solar system and intriguing computer models used to understand the positioning and movement of planets in our home system.

"Future In Space” and "Afternoon Astronomy Coffee" Hangouts are part of a weekly series, held every Thursday, that also includes a segment called "Footsteps to Mars." We bring the the latest research in astronomy, highlights from the future of space astronomy and astronautics planning, as well as updates on the exploration of Mars to you every week via Hangouts on Air. With the sponsorship of both the American Astronomical Society and the American Astronautical Society, our hosts Tony Darnell, Carol Christian, Alberto Conti, and Harley Thronson examine today's breakthroughs in research and peer into the unfolding possibilities of what we may learn about the universe and Mars exploration. We join with members of the American Astronomical Society to chat, in an informal online setting modeled after "science coffee" events held in universities and research organizations across the country. We will examine what we hope to learn about exoplanets, black holes, the early universe, quasars, and life in the universe along with what technologies might help us — and reflect upon the scientific endeavors occurring today that uncover amazing astrophysics and lay the groundwork for studies to come.

We will also explore the technology and engineering used today as well as possibilities for future space travel and research with members of both societies, and probe what our future in space may look like and how we might get there. We will examine the underlying technologies of space telescopes, orbiters, landers, and human space vehicles now and in the years to come. We will delve into topics that help us understand the possibilities and limitations of human space flight and eventual human colonization of other worlds.

We hope you can join us each month as we bring experts from both societies — people who think about and plan for our future in space — to your computer, tablet, or smartphone. We invite you to bring your questions and comments and get ready to learn about the amazing possibilities for the future of space astronomy and exploration.